British Volunteers and the Spanish Civil War

Ninety years ago, a Civil War broke out in a then little-known country. Forthousands of British, Irish and Commonwealth people, the Spanish Civil Warwas their main focus for three years. Over 2,500 "British" (including Irish and Commonwealth) men and womenfought in the International Brigades or served in the medical services of theSpanish Republic. Over 500 volunteers were to die in Spain. Other "British" volunteers served as mercenary pilots and in the revolutionarymilitias (including George Orwell); some even served on the side of the rebelforces. At home, thousands participated in 'Spanish Aid' activities, raising funds forfood ships and medical supplies for Republican Spain. During the Civil War,4000 Basque refugee children were supported by public donations. Picasso'sGuernica painting toured England to raise funds. This is the story of ordinary men and women, told in their own words andreflecting the whole gamut of emotions from ecstasy to despair. Many volunteers would go on to fight in the Second World War and somebecame leading figures in post-War Britain.But for many volunteers, the Spanish Civil War was the "Passionate Cause" andthe outstanding episode of their lives. This is their story.